On May 18, 2025, as fans revisit the legacy of Alan Rickman, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in January 2016, new reflections emerge about his iconic role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series. Excerpts from his diaries, published in Madly, Deeply: The Alan Rickman Diaries in 2022, reveal that Rickman contemplated leaving the franchise after his 2005 prostate cancer diagnosis, a precursor to the pancreatic cancer that later claimed his life. His decision to stay, driven by the conviction to “see it through, it’s your story,” has sparked discussions about his dedication to Snape and how he might feel about a darker portrayal of the character in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, where Paapa Essiedu will take on the role.

Rickman’s portrayal of Snape, spanning all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011, transformed the potions master into a tragic antihero. Initially a stern, spiteful figure, Snape’s unrequited love for Lily Potter and his covert protection of Harry revealed a depth that Rickman masterfully conveyed. His diaries, as reported by The Guardian, show he was privy to Snape’s full arc from J.K. Rowling early on, including the pivotal “Always” moment in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. This knowledge shaped his nuanced performance, earning praise from critics like Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times, who called Rickman’s Snape unforgettable. Despite his commitment, Rickman’s health struggles made his continuation uncertain. Diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2005, he underwent a prostatectomy, and by August 2015, a minor stroke led to his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, kept secret from all but close confidants.

The question of whether Rickman would approve of a darker Snape in HBO’s reboot, set to reimagine the series with new casting, hinges on his complex relationship with the role. His diaries reveal mixed feelings: he found the Philosopher’s Stone premiere’s scale impressive but criticized Deathly Hallows: Part 2 for losing focus during Snape’s death scene, calling it “unsettling.” Rickman’s Snape was never purely villainous; his bitterness stemmed from love and loss, not malice. A darker portrayal, perhaps emphasizing Snape’s cruelty or Slytherin ambition, might stray from the redemption arc Rickman cherished. In a 2007 diary entry, he wrote of Snape’s heroic death and Harry naming his son Albus Severus, calling it a “rite of passage,” suggesting the character’s nobility was central to his vision.

Fans on X have debated this hypothetical shift. Some, like @PotterHead4Life, argue Rickman’s Snape was perfect, blending menace with humanity, and a black-and-white villain would diminish his legacy. Others, such as @SnapeStan, speculate a darker Snape could highlight his moral ambiguity, aligning with Rowling’s description of him as an antihero inspired by a disliked teacher. Rickman’s own words, however, suggest he valued Snape’s layered nature. He noted in 2000 that Rowling’s insight into Snape’s love for Lily gave him “a cliff edge to hang on to,” indicating the emotional core was non-negotiable. Essiedu’s casting has sparked excitement, but replacing Rickman’s gravitas, as Ralph Fiennes noted in Return to Hogwarts, will be daunting.

Rickman’s resilience in continuing despite cancer reflects his loyalty to the story and fans. Co-stars like Daniel Radcliffe, who called him “one of the loyalest people” in a 2016 tribute, and Emma Watson, who cherished their conversations, attest to his generosity. His diaries also reveal a critical eye: he disliked John Williams’ “hideous score” for Philosopher’s Stone and felt Half-Blood Prince needed sharper direction. This suggests Rickman might have resisted a one-dimensional darkening of Snape, preferring the complexity that made the role iconic.

As the HBO series approaches, the absence of Rickman’s distinctive voice and presence looms large. His battle with cancer, documented in diaries that span 26 volumes, underscores his commitment to art over personal struggle. Whether he’d embrace a darker Snape is uncertain, but his emphasis on Snape’s love and sacrifice suggests he’d advocate for balance. Rickman’s Snape remains a cinematic legend, and while Essiedu may bring new depth, Rickman’s portrayal—forged through illness and insight—will forever define the potions master’s soul.